Up to €1.5 million (with an optional additional €1 million for specific costs)
Duration
Up to 5 years
Deadline
Typically October or November annually
Level
Postdoctoral / Early Career Researcher
Acceptance
Approximately 13%
Difficulty
Extremely High
Quick Summary
ERC Starting Grant is a fully funded scholarship offered by European Research Council (ERC) for students pursuing studies in European Union (and Associated Countries). The award covers Provides comprehensive funding for a 5-year research project, including the salary of the PI, team members, and all research-related expenses. and is open to postdoctoral / early career researcher students studying all fields of research (physical sciences and engineering, life sciences, social sciences and humanities). The scholarship runs for up to 5 years. Eligibility is generally based on open to researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since PhD award, requiring a host institution in the EU or Associated Countries. The application deadline is Typically October or November annually, with an acceptance rate of approximately Approximately 13%. EduAtlasHub tracks updated deadlines, coverage details and eligibility requirements for this scholarship as they change.
✨ Should I Apply for ERC Starting Grant?
Instant AI-powered application intelligence
75%
Eligibility Match
16%
Win Probability
9/10
Difficulty
10/10
Reward Score
60-80 hrs
Time Required
Approximately 12% to 15%
Competition
🌍 Overview
💰
Award Amount
Up to €1.5 million (with an optional additional €1 million for specific costs)
⏳
Duration
Up to 5 years
📅
Deadline
Typically October or November annually
🔬
Fields
All fields of research (Physical Sciences and Engineering, Life Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities)
🏆
Awards/Year
Approximately 400 per year
🌏
Study Country
European Union (and Associated Countries)
🏛️
Provider
European Research Council (ERC)
📊
Acceptance
Approximately 13%
The ERC Starting Grant is designed to support excellent Principal Investigators at the career stage at which they are starting their own independent research team or programme. This grant targets researchers who have already shown the potential for research independence and evidence of maturity.
👥 Who Should Apply
Open to researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since PhD award, requiring a host institution in the EU or Associated Countries.
🏛️ Host University
Any recognized Research Institution or University in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries
🤝 Sponsor
European Commission
🔬 Fields of Study
All fields of research (Physical Sciences and Engineering, Life Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities)
✨ Key Benefits
Provides comprehensive funding for a 5-year research project, including the salary of the PI, team members, and all research-related expenses.
🎯 Target Students
Early career researchers / Postdoctoral researchers
Yes, covers the Principal Investigator's salary and team salaries
Total Award
Up to €1.5 million (with an optional additional €1 million for specific costs)
✈️ Travel: Yes, travel costs for research and conferences are eligible project expenses🏠 Accommodation: Included within the salary/relocation budget if applicable💊 Health Insurance: Provided through the host institution's employment contract🔄 Renewable: No💳 App Fee: Free
🎓 Tuition Coverage
N/A (Research grant for salary and project costs)
🏠 Living Stipend
Yes, covers the Principal Investigator's salary and team salaries
🏡 Accommodation
Included within the salary/relocation budget if applicable
✈️ Travel Allowance
Yes, travel costs for research and conferences are eligible project expenses
💊 Health Insurance
Provided through the host institution's employment contract
🎁 Other Benefits
Funding for research equipment, consumables, publication fees, and hiring a research team
🔄 Renewable
No
📋 Renewal Conditions
Not applicable
✅ Eligibility Requirements
🌍 Eligible Nationalities
2-7 years of experience since completion of PhD; excellent research track record
🎓 Academic Level
Postdoctoral / Early Career Researcher
📊 Minimum GPA
N/A (Selection based on research excellence and PhD date)
🗣️ English Requirement
High proficiency required; the proposal and interview are conducted in English
🍢 Age Limit
None (Based on years since PhD award date)
💼 Work Experience
2-7 years post-PhD research experience
🏆 Leadership
Must demonstrate potential for research independence and leadership maturity
💰 Financial Need
No
🎯 Target Students
Early career researchers / Postdoctoral researchers
📝 Application Requirements
Essay / SOP
Yes (Research Proposal Parts B1 and B2)
Rec Letters
No (Requires Host Institution Support Letter)
Interview
Yes (Step 2 of the evaluation process)
Application Fee
Free
Documents Required
Academic Transcripts
Passport / National ID
No (Requires Host Institution Support Letter) Recommendation Letters
CV / Resume
Personal Statement / Essays
High proficiency required; the proposal and interview are conducted in English
Interview: Yes (Step 2 of the evaluation process)
Min GPA: N/A (Selection based on research excellence and PhD date)
📋 Application Process
Focus on high-risk, high-gain research. Ensure the 'Ground-breaking' nature of the project is central to the narrative.
💡 Insider Tip: Consult previously successful proposals. Attend webinars by the ERC and coordinate closely with your host institution's grant office.
🗾️ Application Roadmap
1
Research eligibility and gather requirements
Start Early
2
Collect all required documents
Start Early
3
Request recommendation letters early
4
Write compelling essays and personal statement
⚠ High Risk Stage
5
Submit complete application before deadline
6
Await shortlisting and attend interview if required
⚠ High Risk Stage
📅 Key Dates & Timeline
📅 Opens
Usually July or August annually
⏰ Deadline
Typically October or November annually
🎤 Interview
Yes (Step 2 of the evaluation process)
🎓 Study Starts
Varies (Approximately 12-18 months after application deadline)
Usually July or August annually
Applications Open
Gather documents and begin essays
Typically October or November annually
Application Deadline
Submit complete application - no late entries
Yes (Step 2 of the evaluation process)
Shortlisting and Interview
Selected candidates invited for interview
After results
Award Announced
Successful applicants notified
Varies (Approximately 12-18 months after application deadline)
Studies Begin
Commence degree at host institution
⚖️ Selection Process
📋 Selection Criteria
Scientific excellence of the Principal Investigator and the Research Project
Open to researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since PhD award, requiring a host institution in the EU or Associated Countries.
This scholarship covers: Provides comprehensive funding for a 5-year research project, including the salary of the PI, team members, and all research-related expenses.. It is a fully funded scholarship.
The deadline is Typically October or November annually. Always verify with the official website as dates may change annually.
Competition level: Approximately 12% to 15%. Acceptance rate: Approximately 13%. Strong academic record and clear motivation are essential.
No
Typically required: academic transcripts, passport, High proficiency required; the proposal and interview are conducted in English, No (Requires Host Institution Support Letter) recommendation letters, CV, personal statement/motivation letter. Check official website for the complete list.